U.S. patent application number 11/515383 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for proprioceptive/kinesthetic apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Avi Elbaz, Amit Mor.
Application Number | 20080242518 11/515383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31715096 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080242518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elbaz; Avi ; et al. |
October 2, 2008 |
Proprioceptive/kinesthetic apparatus and method
Abstract
Proprioceptive or kinesthetic exercise methods and apparatus are
described. In one embodiment, a proprioceptive treadmill is
described that comprises a foot-contact running surface that
rotates about a pair of spaced pulleys, the running surface
comprising at least one protuberance protruding upwards from the
running surface. Proprioceptive exercise surfaces, exercise
bicycles, steppers, ski machines, rowing machines and elliptic
exercise machines are also described.
Inventors: |
Elbaz; Avi; (Dimona, IL)
; Mor; Amit; (Rehovot, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEKEL PATENT LTD., DAVID KLEIN
BEIT HAROF'IM, 18 MENUHA VENAHALA STREET, ROOM 27
REHOVOT
76209
IL
|
Family ID: |
31715096 |
Appl. No.: |
11/515383 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10397419 |
Mar 27, 2003 |
7101330 |
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11515383 |
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10222992 |
Aug 19, 2002 |
6979287 |
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10397419 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0009 20130101;
A63B 2022/185 20130101; A63B 22/14 20130101; A63B 22/16 20130101;
A63B 2208/12 20130101; A63B 2022/067 20130101; A63B 22/0664
20130101; A63B 2022/0641 20130101; A63B 22/203 20130101; A43B 7/144
20130101; A63B 2022/0038 20130101; A63B 23/04 20130101; A43B 13/145
20130101; A63B 2208/0209 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 22/18
20130101; A63B 2022/0028 20130101; A43B 5/18 20130101; A43B 7/1445
20130101; A63B 22/0012 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 26/003
20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 23/08 20130101; A63B 69/16
20130101; A63B 22/201 20130101; A63B 2069/062 20130101; A63B
2225/62 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/54 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. Exercise apparatus comprising: a foot-contact surface adapted to
support a user's foot thereon; an actuator adapted to move said
foot-contact surface during an exercise plan; and a bumping
mechanism operative to disrupt a balance of a user on said
foot-contact surface.
2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
bumping mechanism is operative to move the user in six degrees of
freedom, comprising translation in three mutually orthogonal
directions and rotation about these axes.
3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
a controller adapted to control operation of said bumping
mechanism.
4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
foot-contact surface rotates about a pair of spaced pulleys and
forms a treadmill thereby, and said bumping mechanism comprises at
least one protuberance protruding upwards from said foot-contact
surface.
5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising
a plurality of said protuberances, wherein at least two of said
protuberances have a different configuration.
6. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising
a plurality of said protuberances, wherein at least two of said
protuberances have a variable configuration.
7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising
a plurality of said protuberances, wherein at least two of said
protuberances have different material properties.
8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said at
least one protuberance comprises an inflatable element.
9. The exercise apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising
a controller adapted to control inflation and deflation of said at
least one protuberance.
10. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said at
least one protuberance is movable in at least one of a
translational and rotational motion.
11. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
foot-contact surface is part of a pedal that forms an exercise
bicycle, and wherein said bumping mechanism is connected to at
least one of a front axle, rear support and seat of said exercise
bicycle.
12. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
foot-contact surface comprises part of an exercise stepper that
comprises pedals and a controller operative to vary a resistive
force offered by said pedals.
13. The exercise apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said
controller varies an angle of said pedals.
14. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
foot-contact surface comprises part of a ski machine which
comprises ski platforms and a controller operative to vary a
resistive force offered by said ski platforms.
15. The exercise apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said
controller varies an angle of said ski platforms.
16. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
foot-contact surface comprises part of an elliptic exercise
machine.
17. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
foot-contact surface comprises part of a rowing machine.
18. A method comprising: performing a proprioceptive exercise
comprising overcoming a balance-disruptive force while moving in
translational motion.
19. A method comprising: performing an exercise on an exercise
machine that is initially devoid of balance-disruptive forces, and
deliberately applying a balance-disruptive force while exercise on
said exercise machine.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/222,992, filed Aug. 19, 2002, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparatus for
training, developing and enhancing proprioceptive and kinesthetic
skills, neuromuscular control and core stability.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Proprioception refers to the ability to know where a body
part is located in space and to recognize movements of body parts
(such as fingers and toes, feet and hands, legs and arms).
Kinesthesia is a related term, and refers to the sensation by which
position, weight, muscle tension and movement are perceived. In
some of the medical literature, proprioception refers to the
conscious and unconscious appreciation of joint position, while
kinesthesia refers to the sensation of joint velocity and
acceleration. Proprioception is often used interchangeably with
kinesthesia, and herein as well, the terms will be used
interchangeably. (Throughout the specification and claims, the term
"proprioception" will be used to encompass proprioception,
kinesthesia, core stability and the like.)
[0004] The neuromuscular control system of the body integrates
peripheral sensations relative to joint loads and processes these
signals into coordinated motor responses. This muscle activity
serves to protect joint structures from excessive strain.
[0005] Certain mechanoreceptors are present throughout the soft
tissues of the musculoskeletal system which interact with the
central nervous system and coordinate body movements, postural
alignment, and balance. Mechanoreceptors are located in the
muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules and the skin. These
nerve fibers provide information to the brain regarding the status
and function of the musculoskeletal system. The mechanoreceptors
send electrical signals along peripheral nerves to the spinal cord.
The electrical signals travel via the spinal cord to the brain
where the signals are interpreted to recognize movements of body
parts, muscle tension, movement and the like.
[0006] Some examples of mechanoreceptors for controlling the
muscular system include muscle spindles. Muscle spindles are found
interspersed within the contractile fibers of skeletal muscles,
with the highest concentration in the central portion of each
muscle. Muscle spindle fibers respond to changes in the length of
muscles. These nerve endings provide the central nervous system
information used to maintain muscle tone and the correct muscle
tension on opposite sides of each joint.
[0007] Fibrous tissues that surround and protect most joints
generally contain a variety of sensory nerve endings for
proprioception and kinesthesia. The input from these sensory nerve
endings provides the central nervous system information regarding
the location, stretch, compression, tension, acceleration, and
rotation of the joint.
[0008] The foot is the anatomical region that contains the second
largest number of proprioceptive or kinesthetic sensory receptors
in the body (the spine has the most).
[0009] Proprioceptive and kinesthetic exercises and exercise
devices are well known for improving agility, balance and
coordination, and for rehabilitation of persons whose
proprioceptive ability has been impaired, such as after accidents
or illness. One such class of exercise devices includes tilt
boards, wherein a patient stands on a board or similar platform
that has a ball mounted underneath. The board does not lie
horizontal due to the presence of the ball, and this challenges the
ability of the patient to balance and perform maneuvers on the
platform. Repeated exercises on the tilt board may be used to
develop or rehabilitate the proprioception and neuromuscular
control of the patient, as well as strengthen muscles, tendons and
connective tissues in the foot area.
[0010] Other known proprioceptive and kinesthetic exercise devices
include a shoe with a single ball mounted underneath the sole of
the shoe. The shoe with the ball is used similar to the tilt board.
Another kind of shoe has a rod mounted underneath the sole of the
shoe, used for strengthening dorsiflexor muscles.
[0011] Yet another proprioceptive and kinesthetic exercise device
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,897 to Patton. This device
consists of one or more pegs protruding upwards from a baseboard.
The pegs have a rounded top and sit in concave depressions (divots)
in the bottom of an overshoe shaped like a sandal. Specifically,
the bottom of the shoe's sole has three concave, hemisphere-shaped
divots, with one located within the heel portion, one directly
underneath the ball of the foot, and one located in the center.
Elastomeric bands may support the user's foot as the user turns his
foot and/or hips to develop the strength, range of motion, and
proprioception of the ankle and hips.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention seeks to provide novel proprioceptive
and kinesthetic exercise apparatus, which provides significant
advantages over prior art apparatus, such as tilt boards or shoes
with a single protrusion. As is described more in detail
hereinbelow, in one embodiment of the present invention, footwear
is provided that includes two bulbous protrusions protruding from
the underside thereof, instead of the single ball of the prior art
boards and shoes. The extra protrusion may significantly increase
the possibilities and enable walking, and accelerate and improve
the results of proprioceptive and kinesthetic treatment plans.
Other proprioceptive and kinesthetic exercise devices are provided,
such as novel treadmills, exercise surfaces, exercise bicycles,
exercise steppers, ski machines or elliptic exercise machines, as
is described more in detail hereinbelow.
[0013] The apparatus of the present invention may be used in
proprioceptive, neuromuscular control and coordinative exercises
and training for children and athletes alike, for developing and
improving proprioceptive and kinesthetic ability. The invention may
be used to perform exercises and training to prevent injuries in
athletes and non-athletes alike. The invention may be used to work
on core stability for stabilizing the back and hips area, to
prevent, stop or reduce back pain. The invention may be used in
exercising and training persons who have had ankle, knee, hip and
back injuries in the past (or other injuries) in order to prevent
future recurrences of such injuries. The invention may be used in
exercising and training persons with physical handicaps (e.g.,
cerebral or neurological diseases or other disabilities). A user of
the exercise devices of the invention may move in six degrees of
freedom (translation in three mutually orthogonal directions (x, y,
z) and rotation about these axes (azimuth, elevation and roll)).
All of the exercises and training sessions involve causing
instability to the person while in motion, particularly
translational motion--walking, running or other movement.
[0014] There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention an exercise apparatus comprising a
foot-contact surface adapted to support a user's foot thereon, an
actuator adapted to move the foot-contact surface during an
exercise plan, and a bumping mechanism operative to disrupt a
balance of a user on the foot-contact surface.
[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
the bumping mechanism is operative to move the user in six degrees
of freedom, comprising translation in three mutually orthogonal
directions and rotation about these axes.
[0016] There is also provided in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention a method comprising performing a
proprioceptive exercise comprising overcoming a balance-disruptive
force while moving in translational motion.
[0017] There is also provided in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention a method comprising performing an exercise on
an exercise machine that is initially devoid of balance-disruptive
forces, and deliberately applying a balance-disruptive force while
exercise on the exercise machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the appended drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of footwear
constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 2 and 3 are simplified side-view and rear-view
illustrations, respectively, of the footwear of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a simplified top-view illustration of the footwear
of FIG. 1, showing further features of other embodiments of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a treadmill
constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an exercise
surface constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an exercise
bicycle constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an exercise
stepper constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a ski
machine constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an
elliptic exercise machine constructed and operative in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 11 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a rowing
machine constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0029] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-4, which illustrate
footwear 10 constructed and operative in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Footwear 10 may be supplied as
one or more pairs of shoe-like devices, or alternatively, as just
one of the shoe-like devices.
[0030] Footwear 10 preferably comprises a support member 12 having
a periphery in a shape of a shoe sole with an upper surface 14. In
the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 14 is indented with a
peripheral ridge 16, but it is appreciated that other
configurations of upper surface 14 are within the scope of the
invention. Footwear 10 may be attached to a foot of a user (not
shown) by means of a boot 18 and/or fasteners 20, such as but not
limited to, VELCRO straps, buckles, shoe laces, and the like. Boot
18 may be fashioned for attachment to the user's foot with or
without fasteners 20. Similarly, fasteners 20 may be used to attach
footwear 10 to the user's foot without boot 18.
[0031] Two bulbous protuberances 22 may protrude from a lower
surface 24 of support member 12. Alternatively, bulbous
protuberances 22 may protrude from the upper surface 14 of support
member 12. Each protuberance 22 may have a curved outer contour 26.
The cross-section of the contour 26, that is, either the
cross-section taken with respect to a longitudinal axis 28 (FIG. 4)
of support member 12 (corresponding to the shape seen in FIG. 2) or
the cross-section taken with respect to a latitudinal axis 30 (FIG.
4) of support member 12 (corresponding to the shape seen in FIG.
3), or any other cross-section, may have any curvilinear shape. For
example, the contours 26 may have the shape of a conic section,
that is, the shape of a circle, ellipse, parabola or hyperbola. The
various cross-sections of the contours 26 of protuberance 22 may be
shaped identically or differently.
[0032] As seen clearly in FIG. 2, one protuberance 22 may be
positioned more posteriorly than the other protuberance 22. As seen
in FIG. 4, the protuberances may be positioned on a common
longitudinal axis of support member 12, such as the centerline 28
of support member 12, and on opposite sides of the latitudinal
midline 30. As seen in FIG. 2, the rearward protuberance 22 may be
positioned generally underneath a calcaneus (heel, ankle) support
portion 23 of support member 12, while the forward protuberance 22
may be positioned generally underneath a metatarsals support
portion 25 and/or phalanges support portion 27 of support member
12.
[0033] Alternatively, as indicated by broken lines 33 in FIG. 4,
one of the protuberances 22 (e.g., the forward one) may be aligned
on a longitudinal axis 34 offset from centerline 28, and the
rearward protuberance 22 may be positioned offset from axis 34,
such as on the centerline 28. It is appreciated that the above are
just some examples of positioning the protuberances 22, and many
other possibilities exist within the scope of the invention.
[0034] The protuberances 22 may be constructed of any suitable
material, such as but not limited to, elastomers or metal or a
combination of materials, and may have different properties. For
example, the protuberances may have different resilience or
hardness, such as having different elasticity properties or Shore
hardness. The protuberances 22 may protrude by different amounts
from the lower surface 24 of support member 12.
[0035] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
one or more protuberances 22 may be slidingly mounted on support
member 12. For example, protuberance 22 may be mounted on a track
36 (FIG. 2) formed in the lower surface 24 of support member 12,
and may be selectively positioned anywhere along the track and
fastened thereto. Track 36 may extend along a portion of the shoe
sole or all along the length of the shoe sole. Alternatively or
additionally, the amount of protrusion of protuberance 22 may be
adjusted, such as by mounting protuberance 22 with a threaded
fastener 38 (FIG. 3) to support member 12 and tightening or
releasing threaded fastener 38.
[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
in addition to the bulbous protuberances 22, there further may be
provided one or more non-bulbous protuberances 39, shown in FIG. 3.
Protuberances 39 may be formed in the shape of a peg, stud, bolt,
pin, dowel and the like, although the invention is not limited to
these shapes. Protuberances 39 may be rigid or flexible. As with
protuberances 22, the protuberances 39 may have different
resilience or hardness, such as having different elasticity
properties or Shore hardness, and they may protrude by different
amounts from the lower surface 24 of support member 12. As above,
the amount of protrusion of protuberances 39 may be adjusted.
Protuberances 39 may be mounted at any place on the lower surface
24 of support member 12.
[0037] The features described above, such as the protuberances 22
being slidingly mounted on support member 12, may be implemented in
the alternative embodiment wherein the bulbous protuberances 22
protrude from the upper surface 14 of support member 12. For
example, footwear 10 may have a normal outer sole and have a
sliding/shifting mechanism for the protuberances 22 inside the sole
of footwear 10. The sliding/shifting mechanism may comprise,
without limitation, a mechanism that floats in a viscous matrix
(e.g., fluid in a chamber formed in the sole) or that is suspended
by inner cables.
[0038] Reference is now made to FIG. 4. In accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, footwear 10 may comprise a
flange 40 that extends outwards from the periphery of support
member 12. In the illustrated embodiment, flange 40 extends
sideways outwards from the periphery of support member 12, but it
is appreciated that flange 40 may extend forwards or rearwards or
in any other direction as well. Flange 40 may be provided on one
side of footwear 10, as illustrated, or may be provided on both
sides. Flange 40 may supplement the range of proprioceptive
exercises possible with footwear 10, by providing an additional
support surface during tilting and maneuvering with footwear
10.
[0039] Flange 40 may be constructed of any suitable material, such
as but not limited to, elastomers or metal or a combination of
materials, and may have portions 42 with different properties. For
example, portions 42 may have different resilience or hardness,
such as having different elasticity properties or Shore hardness.
The portions 42 of flange 40 may have differently curved contours.
Flange 40 may be adjustably attached to support member 12 such that
the amount that flange 40 extends from support member 12 is
adjustable.
[0040] A user may attach footwear 10 to his/her foot and perform a
variety of maneuvers in a proprioceptive and/or kinesthetic
exercise plan for the lower foot, upper leg and even upper torso
and other body parts and organs. For example, footwear 10 may be
used to reestablish neuromuscular control during rehabilitation of
joints, to restore the mechanical and functional stability of the
neuromuscular system, to improve or rehabilitate anticipatory
(feed-forward) and reflexive (feed-back) neuromuscular control
mechanism, and to regain and improve balance, postural equilibrium
and core stability.
[0041] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which illustrates a
treadmill 50 constructed and operative in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] Treadmill 50 may comprise a foot-contact running surface 52
that rotates about a pair of spaced pulleys 54. Running surface 52
may comprise one or more protuberances 56 protruding upwards from
running surface 52. Protuberances 56 may be of different or similar
configuration (e.g., height, size, shape and/or slope).
Protuberances 56 may have a fixed size/shape, or alternatively, may
have a variable size/shape. The variable size/shape may be achieved
by constructing protuberance 56 from an inflatable element, which
may be inflated pneumatically with air or hydraulically with a
liquid (e.g., water or oil). A controller 58 may be provided that
controls inflation and deflation of protuberances 56. Protuberances
56 and/or running surface 52 may have different or similar material
properties. For example, they may have different or similar
resilience or viscosity (in the inflatable version) and may be made
of different or similar materials.
[0043] Protuberances 56 may be movable. For example, one or more of
the protuberances 56 may be translatable such as in a track 57
(e.g., forwards, backwards, sideways or diagonally) and/or
rotatable about its own or other axis, or a combination of such
motions. A protective strap (not shown) may be provided to maintain
the user in an upright position and help prevent accidental
falls.
[0044] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which illustrates an
exercise surface 60 constructed and operative in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Exercise surface 60 may
comprise one or more protuberances 62 protruding upwards from the
upper (foot-contacting) face and/or lower (floor-contacting) face
of exercise surface 60. Protuberances 62 may be of different or
similar configuration (e.g., height, size, shape and/or slope).
Protuberances 62 may have a fixed size/shape, or alternatively, may
have a variable size/shape. The variable size/shape may be achieved
by constructing protuberance 62 from an inflatable element, which
may be inflated pneumatically with air or hydraulically with a
liquid (e.g., water or oil). A controller 64 may be provided that
controls inflation and deflation of protuberances 62. Protuberances
62 may have different or similar resilience or viscosity (in the
inflatable version), and may be made of different or similar
materials.
[0045] Protuberances 62 may be movable. For example, one or more of
the protuberances 62 may be translatable such as in a track 66
(e.g., forwards, backwards, sideways, radially or diagonally)
and/or rotatable about its own or other axis, or a combination of
such motions. A user of the exercise surface 60 may thus move in
six degrees of freedom (translating in three mutually orthogonal
directions (x, y, z) and rotating about these axes (azimuth,
elevation and roll)).
[0046] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which illustrates a
stationary exercise bicycle 70 constructed and operative in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Exercise
bicycle 70 may comprise apparatus with its own pedals, wheel and
sensors (e.g., speedometer, odometer, etc.) or may comprise an
indoor bicycle trainer, wherein a user mounts a bicycle to a stand,
which permits pedaling the bicycle while the bicycle remains
stationary. Exercise bicycle 70 may comprise a bumping mechanism 72
connected to a front axle 74 or rear support 75 of bicycle 70
and/or a bumping mechanism 76 connected to a seat 78 of bicycle 70.
The bumping mechanisms may oscillate, rock, bump and otherwise
disrupt the balance of the user of the exercise bicycle 70 (as
indicated by arrows in FIG. 7). The bumping mechanisms may move the
rider in six degrees of freedom (translation in three mutually
orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and rotation about these axes
(azimuth, elevation and roll)). The bumping mechanisms in this
embodiment, as in other embodiments of the invention, may comprise
a plate on which exercise bicycle 70 is mounted, wherein the plate
provides the bumping action in six degrees of freedom.
[0047] Exercise bicycle 70 may be used to exercise the
neuromuscular control in the back, hip, pelvis, ankle, knee and
other parts of the body by means of bumps during riding, which may
simulate riding on bumpy roads. A controller 77 may be provided to
control operation of bumping mechanism 72.
[0048] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which illustrates an
exercise stepper 80, constructed and operative in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. Exercise stepper 80 may
comprise a controller 82 that varies the resistive force offered by
pedals 84 of the stepper 80. Controller 82 may also vary the angle
of the pedals 84, such as to create eversion and inversion, as
indicated by arrows in FIG. 8. Here too, controller 82 may move the
pedals 84 in six degrees of freedom (translation in three mutually
orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and rotation about these axes
(azimuth, elevation and roll)).
[0049] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which illustrates a ski
machine 90, constructed and operative in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Ski machine 90 may comprise a
controller 92 that varies the resistive force offered by ski
platforms 94 of the ski 90. Controller 92 may also vary the angle
of ski platforms 94, such as to create eversion and inversion, as
indicated by arrows in FIG. 9. Controller 92 may move the ski
platforms 94 in six degrees of freedom (translation in three
mutually orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and rotation about these
axes (azimuth, elevation and roll)).
[0050] Some exercise experts have noted several drawbacks to prior
art exercise equipment. For example, stationary exercise bicycles
may utilize only a relatively small number of muscles, throughout a
fairly limited range of motion. Cross-country skiing devices may
exercise more muscles than a stationary bicycle, however, the
substantially flat shuffling foot motion of the device may limit
the range of motion of some of the muscles being exercised. Stair
climbing devices may exercise more muscles than stationary
bicycles, however, the limited range of up-and-down motion may not
exercise the leg muscles through a large range of motion.
[0051] In response to these concerns, elliptic exercise machines
have been developed that simulate natural walking and running
motions and exercise a large number of muscles through a large
range of motion. The machines provide variable, flexibly
coordinated elliptical motion of the leg muscles. An example of one
of the many elliptic exercise machines in the prior art is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,954.
[0052] Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which illustrates an
elliptic exercise machine 100, constructed and operative in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Elliptic
exercise machine 100 is shown for convenience with some elements
similar to that of U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,954, but it is emphasized
that the invention is not limited to this construction. In any
case, the proprioceptive features of the invention are not found in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,954 or any of the prior art.
[0053] Elliptic exercise machine 100 may comprise a frame 102 and a
linkage assembly 104 movably mounted on frame 102. Linkage assembly
104 may generally move relative to frame 102 in a manner that links
rotation of a flywheel 106 to generally elliptical motion of a
force receiving member or "skate" 108. Frame 102 may include a base
110, a forward stanchion or upright 112, and a rearward stanchion
or upright 114.
[0054] It is noted that the term "elliptical motion" is intended in
a broad sense to describe a closed path of motion having a
relatively longer first axis and a relatively shorter second axis
(which extends perpendicular to the first axis). It is further
noted that in the illustrated embodiment, there is left-right
symmetry about a longitudinal axis, and the "right-hand" components
are 180.degree. out of phase relative to the "left-hand"
components. However, like reference numerals are used to designate
both the "right-hand" and "left-hand" parts on elliptic exercise
machine 100, and when reference is made to one or more parts on
only one side of the machine, it is to be understood that
corresponding part(s) are disposed on the opposite side of the
machine.
[0055] The forward stanchion 112 may extend perpendicularly upward
from base 110 and support a telescoping tube or post 116. A pair of
handles 118 may be pivotally mounted to post 116 at a pivot 119.
Handles 118 may have gripping portions 120. A display 122 may be
disposed on post 116. Skates 108 may slide on rails 124. A user may
place his/her foot on a foot-contacting surface 126 of skate
108.
[0056] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
elliptic exercise machine 100 may comprise one or more bumping
mechanisms 130 connected to a front support 132 and/or a rear
support 134 of rails 124. The bumping mechanisms 130 may oscillate,
rock, bump and otherwise disrupt the balance of the user of
elliptic exercise machine 100. The bumping mechanisms 130 may move
the user in six degrees of freedom (translation in three mutually
orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and rotation about these axes
(azimuth, elevation and roll)). A controller 136 may be provided to
control operation of bumping mechanism 130.
[0057] Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which illustrates a rowing
machine 150, constructed and operative in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Rowing machine 150 may
comprise a rail 152 on which a seat 154 is slidingly mounted. Rail
152 may have a rear support 155. Rail 152 may extend from a
forward-mounted tension drum 156, which may be mounted on a front
support 157. A cord 158 may be wound around tension drum 156. Cord
158 may be provided with a handle 159. Footrests 160 may be mounted
on rail 152.
[0058] A user (not shown) may sit on seat 154, place feet against
the footrests 160, grasp handle 159 and pull cord 158 towards the
rear of rowing machine 150, outwards from tension drum 156. This
motion simulates the action of pulling oars in a rowboat. The seat
154 may slide back and forth on rail 152 during the rowing motion.
Tension drum 156 resists the pulling action on cord 158, thereby
exercising muscles used in rowing. The tension in tension drum 156
may be adjusted to suit the desired level of exercise. A controller
162 may be provided that varies the resistive force offered by
tension drum 156.
[0059] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
rowing machine 150 may comprise one or more bumping mechanisms 164
connected to front support 157 and/or rear support 155 of rail 152,
or to seat 154. The bumping mechanisms 164 may oscillate, rock,
bump and otherwise disrupt the balance of the user of rowing
machine 150. The bumping mechanisms 164 may move the user in six
degrees of freedom (translation in three mutually orthogonal
directions (x, y, z) and rotation about these axes (azimuth,
elevation and roll)). Controller 162 may control operation of
bumping mechanisms 164.
[0060] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present
invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the
features described hereinabove as well as modifications and
variations thereof which would occur to a person of skill in the
art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the
prior art.
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